Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon, August 25, 2024. Reuters TV via REUTERS

Hezbollah and Israel Engage in Significant Border Clashes

Rocket and Drone Assault on Israel by Hezbollah

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets and drones at Israel on Sunday. Israel responded with airstrikes, deploying approximately 100 jets to target locations in Lebanon. This marks one of the most intense clashes in over ten months of ongoing border conflict between the two parties.

Visible Signs of Conflict and Casualties

The attacks were visible across the region, with missiles ascending into the dawn sky, leaving dark trails in their wake. Air raid sirens were heard in Israel, and distant explosions illuminated the horizon. Smoke was observed rising from houses in Khiam, a town in southern Lebanon. The conflict resulted in confirmed casualties, with three deaths reported in Lebanon and one in Israel.

Risk of Regional Escalation

The ongoing conflict, which initially began in parallel with the war in Gaza, poses a significant risk of escalating into a broader regional confrontation. Such a development could potentially involve Hezbollah’s main backer, Iran, and Israel’s key ally, the United States. Although both sides have signaled a willingness to avoid further escalation for the time being, warnings have been issued about the possibility of additional strikes.

Hezbollah’s Response to the Assassination of Senior Commander

Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stated that the group’s attacks were a response to the assassination of senior commander Fuad Shukr, which occurred the previous month. Nasrallah indicated that the planned retaliatory strikes had been completed but cautioned that further responses could occur if the initial strikes were deemed insufficient.

Israeli Defense Measures

Israel’s foreign minister emphasized that the country does not seek a full-scale war, although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning that the situation was not yet resolved. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to defending its territory, stating, “We are determined to do everything we can to defend our country… whoever harms us – we harm him.” Both sides have reportedly exchanged messages indicating a mutual desire to avoid further escalation.

Background of the Conflict

Expectations of increased hostilities had risen following a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals. In response, the Israeli military conducted an airstrike in Beirut, leading to the assassination of Fuad Shukr. Hezbollah delayed its retaliation to allow time for ceasefire negotiations and carefully calibrated its attack to prevent a full-scale war, according to a Hezbollah official.

Dense Bombardment by Israeli Air Force

The recent clash saw intense military activity, with Israel conducting pre-emptive airstrikes before Hezbollah’s barrage began. Netanyahu claimed that these strikes had thwarted a more extensive Hezbollah attack. In contrast, Nasrallah downplayed the impact of Israel’s pre-emptive strikes. Hezbollah’s rocket and drone assaults targeted an intelligence base near Tel Aviv, although Israel successfully intercepted all incoming drones.

A security source in Lebanon reported that at least 40 Israeli strikes hit various towns in southern Lebanon, marking one of the most concentrated bombardments since hostilities began in October. Hezbollah confirmed that two of its fighters were killed in al-Tiri, while the Hezbollah-allied Shi’ite Muslim group Amal reported the death of one fighter in Khiam. The Israeli military also reported the death of a naval soldier, with two others wounded.

Regional and International Reactions

The conflict has prompted concerns from regional and international actors. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, convened a meeting of the national emergency committee to address the situation. Meanwhile, flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv were temporarily suspended, as were some flights to and from Beirut, causing disruptions for travelers.

In northern Israel, warning sirens sounded as the Iron Dome aerial defense system intercepted rockets launched from southern Lebanon. Some Israeli citizens have called for decisive military action to neutralize the Hezbollah threat.

The White House confirmed that U.S. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation, with the National Security Council expressing continued support for Israel’s right to self-defense. While the United States was not directly involved in Israel’s strikes on Sunday, it provided intelligence on incoming Hezbollah attacks. U.S. General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Israel on Sunday for a regional tour aimed at preventing further escalation and is expected to meet with senior Israeli military officials.

Calls for Ceasefire and Warnings from Regional Actors

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, along with the U.N.’s special coordinator’s office in the country, called for an immediate ceasefire, describing the developments as “worrying.” Egypt, a key mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks, and Jordan both issued warnings about the dangers of opening a new front in Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s missile attacks on Israel began immediately after the October 7 attacks by Hamas gunmen on Israeli territory. Since then, Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in continuous exchanges of fire, albeit without escalating into full-scale warfare as the conflict in Gaza rages on. The delicate balance of this conflict shifted following the missile strike in the Golan Heights, for which Hezbollah denied responsibility, and the subsequent assassination of Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah’s senior military commanders. Shukr’s death was soon followed by the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has led to vows of retaliation against Israel by Iran.